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Dynamic Blocks and Cross-Laminated Timber in Community Housing

Author:
Jae Woo Lee
Dynamic Blocks and Cross-Laminated Timber in Community Housing
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Dynamic blocks create multifunctional spaces in a community housing design that utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber to enhance sustainability and flexibility for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community-focused design promotes social interaction through integrated public green spaces.
02
Flexible modular walls allow residents to adapt interior layouts for various needs.
03
Cross-Laminated Timber is used for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Dynamic blocks serve as multifunctional areas for cultural events and gatherings.
05
Adaptation to future urbanization challenges is central to the design concept.

Affordable housing in Melbourne is the focus of a thoughtful design that embraces sustainability and modularity. Located in a rapidly changing urban area, the project aims to meet the needs of residents while fostering a sense of community. Central to the design is the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which serves as a key structural element. This choice not only supports the building's stability but also aligns with modern eco-friendly practices.

Conceptual Framework

The design prioritizes modularity, allowing for diverse living arrangements that can adapt to the residents' lifestyles. By incorporating CLT into the framework, the structure benefits from efficient construction processes and ensures long-term durability. The arrangement of units encourages flexibility, letting occupants modify their spaces as their needs change over time.

Community Integration

Recognizing the importance of outdoor spaces in urban settings, the design integrates public green areas to encourage interactions among residents. While individual gardens may not be feasible, these communal spaces serve as essential meeting points. They enhance the living environment by promoting socialization and community bonding, which are vital aspects of urban life.

Cultural Engagement

Dynamic blocks feature prominently in the design, providing multi-use spaces for art displays and cultural gatherings. This approach fosters a connection between residents and their surroundings, enabling artistic expression within the residential context. By embedding cultural elements into daily life, the project enriches experiences and cultivates a sense of belonging among its occupants.

The modular walls play a crucial role, creating a balance between private areas and shared spaces. Aside from fulfilling structural requirements, they enhance adaptability within living environments, allowing for personalized touches that reflect individual preferences. The overall design speaks to the need for community-oriented housing that remains flexible in the face of ever-changing urban dynamics.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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